Journal of Higher Education Research Disciplines

Comparing Blended and Face-To-Face Instruction In College Mathematics: Effects on Learning Satisfaction and Mathematics Performance

Sherwin Labadan — 2026-06-30

The continued integration of blended learning in higher education has raised important questions regarding its effectiveness in supporting both cognitive and affective learning outcomes, particularly in mathematics-related courses that require structured instruction and guided problem-solving. This study compared blended learning and face-to-face instruction in terms of learning satisfaction and mathematics performance among first-year college students in a local college in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest non-equivalent control group design was employed involving 72 students enrolled in a college mathematics course. The intervention was conducted over five weeks. Data were gathered using a researcher-made learning satisfaction questionnaire and a 50-item mathematics achievement test administered before and after the instructional period. Descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including Mann–Whitney U test and ANCOVA, were used for data analysis. Findings showed that students in both blended and face-to-face instruction improved their mathematics performance, with no significant difference between groups after controlling for pretest scores. However, face-to-face instruction yielded significantly higher levels of learning satisfaction in terms of academic achievement and engagement, while no significant differences were observed in interest and overall satisfaction. The study concludes that instructional modality alone does not determine short-term mathematics achievement. Instead, differences in learning satisfaction suggest that instructional design and interaction patterns may play a more important role in shaping student experience. Future research may examine additional pedagogical and learner-related factors and explore longer intervention periods across different contexts.

From Struggle To Stability: The Association Among Financial Literacy, Financial Behavior, And Financial Capability Of Homemakers In Misamis Occidental

Glenn Eisma — 2026-06-30

Homemakers have significant influence over their families’ financial choices; as such, they must possess some level of financial capability. In addition to building household resiliency, the financial capability of households is also crucial to promoting community well being. The purpose of this research is to explore the level of knowledge that homemakers have about personal finance, their financial behaviors as a homemaker and whether there is an association among them, specifically for homemakers who reside in the province of Misamis Occidental.
This study employed a quantitative descriptive-correlational approach. A sample size of 383 homemakers from Misamis Occidental was drawn utilizing purposive sampling. To collect data regarding the constructs of interest, a validated survey tool with four point Likert scales was employed. Descriptive statistics were applied to find out what the mean scores of each concept were. Spearman’s rho (rank-order) correlation was utilized to ascertain both the degree and the nature of the relationship(s) present between the constructs studied.
Results indicated that respondents had moderately strong levels of financial literacy (Mean = 3.28), moderate levels of financial behavior (Mean = 3.26) but weaker levels of financial capability (Mean = 3.15). Statistical significance was determined at p < .001 when examining the relationships between the constructs. Results indicate that homemakers require community-based financial education and accessible inclusive financial service options to convert their positive financial knowledge and behaviors into improved household financial capabilities.

An Assessment of Mobod Marine Sanctuary in Barangay Mobod, Oroquieta City: Carrying Capacity and Economic Valuation Perspectives for Sustainable Tourism Management

Maria Christine Balais1 — 2026-06-30

This study assesses the sustainable tourism potential of the Marine Sanctuary in Barangay Mobod, Oroquieta City, explicitly highlighting its ecotourism capabilities, carrying capacity, management constraints, and economic valuation. Driven by the need to balance ecological protection with community livelihood, this research uniquely integrates a preliminary carrying-capacity framework and benefit-transfer estimates to guide responsible tourism development. Using a descriptive quantitative approach anchored in sustainable tourism management theory, the study evaluated responses from purposively selected stakeholders. The assessment reveals the sanctuary’s strong potential for low-impact activities like snorkeling and firefly watching, alongside pressing management concerns related to sanitation, pollution, and coral depletion. Acknowledging limitations in site-specific data—such as daily visitor counts and willingness-to-pay responses, this study provides preliminary benchmarks for evaluating tourism limits. Ultimately, the findings extend current protected-area scholarship by demonstrating that tourism development in Mobod Marine Sanctuary must prioritize environmental monitoring, activity zoning, and locally retain economic benefits before commercial expansion.